BRIDGING REGIONAL DISPARITIES: AN ANALYSIS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN NORTH SUMATRA’S DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to regional disparities in North Sumatra, focusing on the Human Development Index (HDI) and infrastructure development. The research seeks to identify the extent to which differences in HDI and infrastructure availability influence unequal development among districts and cities in the province. The research employed a quantitative approach using secondary data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of North Sumatra, covering indicators of education, health, economic welfare, and infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and access to clean water. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to examine the relationship between HDI and infrastructure with regional disparities. The findings indicate significant disparities between urban centers, such as Medan and Binjai, and peripheral or rural districts like Nias and Mandailing Natal. Higher HDI values and better infrastructure are strongly correlated with faster economic growth and improved living standards, while regions with limited infrastructure and lower HDI continue to lag behind. These disparities highlight uneven investment distribution and unequal access to public services across the province. The study suggests that reducing disparities requires comprehensive policies, including accelerating infrastructure development in underdeveloped regions, ensuring equitable distribution of educational and health facilities, and encouraging balanced investment beyond major cities. Strengthening collaboration between central and local governments, as well as engaging the private sector, is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable development in North Sumatra.